CrossFit has been a part of my life for a little over a year, and I must say it has really transformed the idea I once had about exercise. Crossfit, as defined by my coach, is "the principal strength and conditioning program for many police academies and tactical operations teams, military special operations units, champion martial artists, and hundreds of other elite and professional athletes worldwide. CrossFit is also for mothers, fathers, college students, and anyone looking to live a healthy lifestyle. CrossFit delivers a fitness that is, by design, broad, general, and inclusive. The specialty is not specializing. Combat, survival, many sports, and life reward this kind of fitness and, on average, punish the specialist."

That sounds kind of scary and intimidating, but let me tell you what CrossFit Pallas (my specific gym) is defined as in a few simple words: community, strength, encouragement, perseverance, dedication, and sweat... lots of sweat. I would not have defined myself as an athlete before I began CrossFit, although my coaches called me one anyway. I would have quit a trillion times if it wasn't for the amazing people in these pictures. A lot of people have a lot to say about CrossFit, but my box (Crossfit term for gym) is the bee's knees.

The event I photographed is called the Open--a series of five workouts that rate those participants to determine who will be in the CrossFit Games, a competition of the most elite Crossfitters. It is a great motivational tool for everyone involved to reach heights they didn't think were possible. I have been nursing a sore shoulder, so I joined in on the action through the lens.

What do YOU see below? I see a group of individuals with hearts bigger than their muscles--and their muscles are pretty big so that's saying something!!! Comment below!